This week my guest is Billy Zureikat, known online as The Real Billy Z. He's a home cook, baker and pizza-maker who's life took an unexpected turn. He went from an active lifestyle, playing basketball and working at ESPN radio, to a challenging 8-year medical journey that resulted in a diagnosis of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2L.
As his body underwent changes, he found solace and a newfound passion in the kitchen. He traded his jersey for an apron, re-focusing his energy on becoming a better home cook and baker. Sandwiches and pizza became his canvas, and from that emerged the "Tripping Billy" pizza. Little did he know, this creation would become a catalyst for raising funds and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Teaming up with some of Chicago's best pizzerias and restaurants, he shares his story of reinvention through food. It became a way to show people that even in the face of change, positive things can happen. Over the past few years, he's collaborated with over 50 culinary giants, raising $50,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He's been the Illinois Ambassador for the MDA since January of 2022.
BILLY ZUREIKAT
Billy's website (https://www.trippingbillyz.com/)
Billy's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/therealbillyz/) , TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@therealbillyz_?_t=8hFpDiDeiyZ&_r=1) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@therealbillyz)
Donate to The Muscular Dystrophy Association (https://mda.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1391)
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